{"id":582,"date":"2022-11-25T08:46:33","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T08:46:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=582"},"modified":"2022-12-09T08:16:26","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T08:16:26","slug":"reference-guide-for-copd-medications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/copd-medications\/reference-guide-for-copd-medications\/","title":{"rendered":"Reference Guide for COPD Medications"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>COPD affects more than 15 million people in the U.S.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The disease is incurable, but it can be managed with medication.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>There are many types and combinations of COPD medications. Your doctor can help you decide which is right for you.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>BidRx can help you find the lowest price for COPD medications.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>What Is COPD?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause blockage of the airway and breathing problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD gets worse over time. In the U.S., <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/copd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 million people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suffer from COPD, and many others don\u2019t know they have the disease. Though there\u2019s no cure for COPD, with the right medication, the condition is manageable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>About COPD Medications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have COPD, you have trouble drawing enough air into your lungs to oxygenate your blood adequately. You may have a persistent cough. You may also have trouble breathing and feel tightness around the chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors believe that environmental toxins are at the root of COPD problems. Breathing in polluted air and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16454221\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smoking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are common COPD causes and triggers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no cure for COPD, and the damage it does to the airways is permanent. Medications aim to treat and alleviate the symptoms of the disease by reducing inflammation, slowing or stopping the progression of the disease, and helping you breathe easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the severity of your COPD, doctors prescribe medications from the following categories:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adrenergic bronchodilators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergic bronchodilators\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combination bronchodilators\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucoactive drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologic drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer medications for COPD<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what you need to know about each commonly prescribed type of COPD medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Adrenergic Bronchodilators<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchodilators are available in both short-acting and long-acting formulations. They act directly on the receptors of the bronchial smooth muscles, relaxing the muscles. As the muscles relax, the bronchi dilate, allowing more air to flow through. Bronchodilators require direct contact with the muscles of the airways. They are available as inhalers or nebulizers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Short-acting bronchodilators<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer relief as needed. If you have a COPD attack, you can use them to cut the attack short and regain your breath.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Long-acting bronchodilators<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are daily, or maintenance, medications. Patients take these twice a day as part of standalone and adjunct therapies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may describe different bronchodilators for acute COPD, COPD maintenance, and COPD treatment. All bronchodilators require a prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This class of bronchodilators includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/albuterol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Albuterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Albuterol Inhalation Solution)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/levalbuterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levalbuterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Xopenex, Xopenex Concentrate)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/formoterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formoterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Atock, Foradil, Fostair)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/arformoterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arformoterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Brovana)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/olodaterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olodaterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Respimat, Striverdi)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cons\/pirbuterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pirbuterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Maxair)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/salmeterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salmeterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Serevent, Diskus)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/metaproterenol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metaproterenol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Alupent)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cons\/indacaterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indacaterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Arcapta Neohaler)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Adrenergic Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take short- or long-acting bronchodilators if you are allergic to any of their components. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction after you take a bronchodilator, seek medical attention immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before your doctor prescribes an adrenergic bronchodilator, talk to him or her about your health conditions, especially if you have:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very young children (under four years of age) should not take bronchodilators. If you overdose by mistake, seek medical help immediately. Overdosing on adrenergic bronchodilators can be fatal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Adrenergic Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adrenergic bronchodilators are potent drugs. To some COPD sufferers, they can be lifesavers. Their side effects are also significant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical help immediately:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing problems, choking or wheezing after taking a puff<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma symptoms that go from bad to worse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent urination\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other severe side effects of this class of drugs can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Adrenergic Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchodilators can interact with many drugs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other COPD medications taken through inhalers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamins, herbal products, and dietary supplements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Anticholinergic Bronchodilators<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-586\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2.jpeg-18.jpg\" alt=\"Woman with an inhaler\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drugs act on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to override the nerve reflexes that constrict the airways. Like all other bronchodilators, anticholinergic bronchodilators are prescription-only medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/tiotropium-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiotropium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Spiriva)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/umeclidinium.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umeclidinium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Incruse, Ellipta)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/aclidinium.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aclidinium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Tudorza, Pressair)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/ipratropium-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ipratropium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Atrovent)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/glycopyrrolate.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glycopyrrolate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Cuvposa, Dartisla, Robinul)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/revefenacin-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revefenacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Yupelri)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Anticholinergic Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergic bronchodilators like revefenacin are not suitable for emergency use. For <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC387531\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bronchospasm attacks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, use a fast-acting bronchodilator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel that your bronchodilator stops working or you exhibit allergic symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before starting treatment with anticholinergic bronchodilators, tell your doctors if you have any of these conditions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urination problems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never give anticholinergic bronchodilators to children. If you overdose by accident, seek medical help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms that might indicate on overdose include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light-headedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision problems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Anticholinergic Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that your tongue or face swells after taking anticholinergic bronchodilators, seek medical help immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drugs are potent and may produce many severe side effects that can include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing problems and wheezing after you take the drug<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision problems including tunnel vision, blurred vision, eye pain, irritation, seeing halos around lights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty or pain while urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weak urine stream and incomplete emptying of the bladder\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the less-severe and more common side effects of the drugs are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny and stuffy nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergic bronchodilators may cause other side effects not listed here. If you experience unusual symptoms after using your medication, speak with your doctor right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Anticholinergic Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because they are potent drugs that impact vital neurotransmitters, anticholinergic bronchodilators may interact with many other drugs, vitamins, and supplements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These prescription and over-the-counter products can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergy drugs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/benadryl.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs that treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive ailments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other bronchodilators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication used to treat mental disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma medications\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any drugs you take before starting treatment with anticholinergic bronchodilators.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Combination Bronchodilators<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some patients whose COPD does not respond to treatment may need a combination of medications to relieve their symptoms. Doctors sometimes prescribe combination medications containing two active drugs, or even triple combinations of two long-acting bronchodilators and a corticosteroid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmj.com\/content\/363\/bmj.k4388\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2018 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, triple therapy involving three COPD medications results in better lung function and fewer COPD flare-ups in patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combination therapy entails some risks. Patients are more likely to develop pneumonia with three drugs than with two.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two-drug therapy is, therefore, the safer approach to controlling COPD and improving lung function. All combination bronchodilators are prescription-only medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the most common combination bronchodilators:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/fluticasone-umeclidinium-and-vilanterol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone\/umeclidinium\/vilanterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Trelegy Ellipta)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/budesonide-and-formoterol-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budesonide\/formoterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Breyna, Symbicort)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/fluticasone-and-vilanterol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone\/vilanterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Breo Ellipta)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/umeclidinium-and-vilanterol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umeclidinium\/vilanterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Anaro Ellipta)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/olodaterol-and-tiotropium.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olodaterol\/tiotropium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Stiolto Respimat)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/aclidinium-and-formoterol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aclidinium\/forrmoterol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Duaklir Pressair)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/budesonide-formoterol-and-glycopyrrolate.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budesonide\/formoterol\/glycopyrrolate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Breztri Aeropshere)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/formoterol-and-glycopyrrolate.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formoterol\/glycopyrrolate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Bevespi Aeropshere)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Combination Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combination bronchodilators are highly potent medications, but many of these medications are not fast-acting enough to serve as rescue solutions for bronchospasm attacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid these medications if you are allergic to milk proteins or their components. You can develop an allergy to a compound after prolonged exposure. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction when using your medication, seek medical attention immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You shouldn\u2019t take combination bronchodilators if you have:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An enlarged prostate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems with your immune system or thyroid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Osteoporosis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People younger than 18 years should not use combination bronchodilators. Breastfeeding and pregnant women should also avoid these medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Combination Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take an overdose of these drugs, you may experience:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accelerated heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shakiness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may experience some side effects even when you use combination bronchodilators according to your doctor\u2019s recommendation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sores in your mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficult urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lung infections\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Triple-therapy drugs are more likely to cause lung infections than two-drug combinations. The more severe side effects of this class of drugs include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tunnel vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhaustion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficult urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever, chills, and lung infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thirst\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Combination Bronchodilators<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drugs may interact with many other drugs, supplements, vitamins, herbal products, and foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your doctor if you\u2019re using any of the following medications:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antiviral or antifungal drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl or other allergy and\/or cold medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications for stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/atropine-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atropine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other bronchodilators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication for Parkinson\u2019s disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug interaction lists are never complete. If you\u2019re taking another drug for a different condition, you may be at risk. Be sure to keep your providers up to date on all of the drugs and supplements you\u2019re taking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Corticosteroids<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autoimmune inflammation is one of the causes of COPD. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and help alleviate COPD symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some corticosteroids come in an inhalable form. Others are available as pills, liquids, or injections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3.jpeg-17.jpg\" alt=\"Bottle of prednisone\" width=\"512\" height=\"344\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids are potent medications with potentially severe side effects. These drugs are only available by prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids prescribed for COPD include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/fluticasone-inhalation.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Flovent Diskus, Flovent, Flovent HFA, and others)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/budesonide.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budesonide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Uceris, Ortikos, Entocort EC)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/prednisone.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Rayos)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Corticosteroids<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steroids modulate your immune system, so they can weaken it and predispose you to various infections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay away from infected people, and do not get vaccinated while you are on corticosteroids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure your doctor has a complete list of all your medical conditions and medications. Seek medical help immediately if you have an allergic reaction to a corticosteroid medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids may not be an option for you if you have:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuberculosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A herpes infection in your eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A weak immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A parasitic infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Osteoporosis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Side Effects\u2014 Corticosteroids<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids can cause many common side effects, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased appetite\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their more-severe but less-common side effects can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tarry and bloody stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pancreatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of these severe side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Corticosteroids<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids can interact with many drugs. Vitamins, supplements, and herbal products are also sources of risk. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take before going on corticosteroids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some, but not all, of the drugs that interact with corticosteroids are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/digoxin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/cyclosporine-oral-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyclosporine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/clarithromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clarithromycin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antifungal medications like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/international\/ketoconazole.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ketoconazole<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood thinners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth control pills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anything that affects your hormone levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatitis C medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizure medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/aspirin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aspirin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Selective Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors<b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/roflumilast.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roflumilast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the only phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor doctors use to treat COPD. Available under the brand name Daliresp, this drug targets the root of the COPD problem, inflammation in the lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor prescribes this drug, you probably have severe COPD. The treatment goal is to prevent the worsening of COPD symptoms. The drug comes in pill form taken orally once a day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are not bronchodilators or rescue medications. They won\u2019t abort a COPD attack.<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have liver disease or mental problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts, Roflumilast is not a suitable option for you. Tell your doctor about your mental and physical health conditions to avoid the severe consequences these drugs can produce.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take Roflumilast if you are allergic to it. Note that with repeated exposure, you may develop an allergy to a drug you used to tolerate well. If you notice allergic reactions at any time, seek medical attention immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The drug can change your mood and lead to suicidal thoughts while you\u2019re taking it. Have your caretakers and doctors monitor your treatment regularly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant women and children should not take this drug.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roflumilast\u2019s common side effects include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu-like symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some weight loss\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe side effects can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe and sudden weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience any of the effects on this list, seek medical help immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you use. Roflumilast can interact with many other drugs, supplements, and vitamins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Methylxanthines<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines are a class of drugs used to treat COPD patients who do not respond to bronchodilators. Your doctor may prescribe a methylxanthine called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/theophylline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">theophylline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to augment your bronchodilator or corticosteroid treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At lower doses, theophylline protects the airways, reduces inflammation, and modulates immune responses. To exert a bronchodilator effect, doctors must prescribe higher doses. At higher doses, methylxanthines like theophylline can be toxic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given their toxicity risk, it is unsurprising that methylxanthines are all prescription-only medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines used to treat COPD include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/theophylline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theophylline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Elixophillin, Respbid, Theo-24, and others)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/aminophylline-injection.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aminophylline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/cons\/dyphylline-oral-intramuscular.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dyphylline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Dilor-200, Dilor-400, Dylix , and others )<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Methylxanthines<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to COPD, doctors use theophylline to treat other breathing problems like bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The drug can be toxic in higher dosages, so never take more than your doctor prescribes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, smoke, or have recently quit smoking. You are not a good candidate for treatment with methylxanthines if you have:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastric ulcer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sepsis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before prescribing methylxanthines, your doctor should also know whether you have a fever or are pregnant or breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s extremely important never to take more methylxanthine than prescribed. An overdose of these drugs can cause seizures resulting in permanent brain damage or death.<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Methylxanthines<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The common side effects of this class of drugs include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability and restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines can cause severe side effects, like:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spiked blood sugar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek medical help if you experience any of these side effects.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Methylxanthines<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins can interact with methylxanthines. According to Drugs.com, St. John\u2019s wort is an herbal product that can affect the levels of theophylline in your blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always talk to your doctor about the medications you take before beginning treatment with a methylxanthine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Mucoactive Drugs<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/4.jpeg-11.jpg\" alt=\"Lungs graphic\" width=\"512\" height=\"331\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6527426\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2019 study<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">found that mucoactive drugs could alleviate the symptoms of COPD and reduce the intensity of flare-ups. They achieve these effects by reducing the buildup of mucus in the lungs COPD causes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to helping the lungs eliminate mucus, some mucoactive drugs also fight inflammation, acting as antioxidants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucolytic drugs are prescription only.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/ingredient\/carbocysteine.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cabocysteine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Availnex)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erdosteine (Erdomed, Erdotin, others)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N-acetylcisteine (Acys-5, Acetylcisteine Solution)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Mucoactive Drugs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucoactive drugs like acetylcysteine can limit liver damage in patients who take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/acetaminophen.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-based drugs, like Tylenol. Do not attempt to treat yourself with acetylcysteine if you suspect you may have overdosed on acetaminophen. Let your doctor set your treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not use mucoactive drugs if you are allergic to any of their components. Tell your doctors about your health conditions before they prescribe treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucoactive drugs may not be suitable for COPD patients also suffering from:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach ulcer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach bleeding\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take these drugs without their doctors\u2019 recommendation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Mucoactive Drugs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The side effects of mucoactive drugs range from common to severe. Common side effects include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive problems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some possible severe side effects are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting a coffee grounds-like material<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jaundice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clay-colored stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucoactive drugs may have other side effects not listed here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Mucoactive Drugs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A variety of vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and drugs can interact with mucoactive medications. Tell your doctor about all drugs or supplements you take to avoid interactions and save yourself from unnecessary suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Biologic Drugs<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher-than-normal count of white blood cells called eosinophils can cause inflammation in the body. Because inflammation contributes to COPD, medications that treat inflammation can improve COPD symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologic drugs give doctors the tools to interfere with the inflammation process. Eosinophilia can also cause asthma, and several biologic drugs used to treat asthma may work for COPD as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologic drugs are advanced medications representing the cutting edge of science because they\u2019re created from living cells.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs in this class are all prescription-based and include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/mepolizumab.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mepolizumab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Nucala Prefilled Syringe, Nucala)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/benralizumab.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benralizumab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Fasenra)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/reslizumab.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reslizumab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Cinqair)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/dupilumab.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dupilumab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Dupixent)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Biologic Drugs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma treated with steroids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parasite infections like tapeworm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shingles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children should not take biologic drugs for COPD.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Biologic Drugs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some common side effects of biologic drugs include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhaustion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning and itching at the site of the infection\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tingling in the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blistering\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Biologic drugs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biologic drugs can interact with many other drugs, supplements, and vitamins. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-interactions\/fexinidazole-with-mepolizumab-4280-0-3704-0.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fexinidazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one example of a drug that can interact with these medications, but there are others. Tell your providers about all the medications and supplements you take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Antibiotics<\/h2>\n<p><b> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-631\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"Antibiotic pills\" width=\"512\" height=\"338\" \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some antibiotics may reduce the frequency and intensity of COPD flare-ups. Antibiotics are all prescription-based medicines. The two antibiotics doctors may prescribe for COPD are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/azithromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">azithromycin <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Azasite, Zithromax, Zmax, and others) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/erythromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">erythromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (EryPed 200 EryPed 400, Ery-Tab, and others).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 Antibiotics<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance. The long-term use of these drugs may lead to many as yet unknown side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 Antibiotics<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin use can result in hearing loss. Antibiotics in general can have a multitude of other side effects like:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloody stool<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience severe side effects, call your doctor immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 Antibiotics<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These antibiotics may interact with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/digoxin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">digoxin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/warfarin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warfarin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/clarithromycin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clarithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, among others. Always talk to your doctor about the medications you take. All drugs can interact with various supplements, herbal products, and vitamins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Vaccines and Cancer Medications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers believe that influenza vaccines <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD002733.pub3\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may limit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> COPD flare-ups. And they can certainly help with infections that may aggravate COPD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cancer drug tyrphostin AG825 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elifesciences.org\/articles\/50990\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may also help<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lower the inflammation responsible for COPD.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Dealing With COPD at Home<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a smoker, quit all smoking as soon as possible. Stay away from areas where others smoke. Quitting smoking may not be easy, but you must do it to slow the damage COPD does to your lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory infections and air pollution may cause flare-ups in your COPD. Try to avoid these triggers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COPD medications are all prescription-based, with strong effects and side effects. Overdosing on these drugs can be dangerous. Always follow medication directions exactly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is always better to err on the side of caution if you are unsure how to take your COPD medications or forget to take them. Don\u2019t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Find the Lowest Price for COPD Medications<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-632\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"Woman walking by the lake\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join BidRX and find the best price for COPD medications by letting pharmacies compete to give you the lowest possible price.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simply sign up, create a bid, and let pharmacies come to you with their best prices for your medications. You can then compare prices and choose your offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find your COPD medicines on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and place your bid today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights\u00a0 COPD affects more than 15 million people in the U.S. The disease is incurable,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":633,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-copd-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/582","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=582"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/582\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":589,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/582\/revisions\/589"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=582"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=582"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=582"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}